Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025
Key Takeaways
- The four Christian colleges in our ranking have small student bodies and more opportunity to interact with faculty.
- Attending a Christian college in DC allows students to learn about and practice their faith while receiving an excellent education.
- Students studying at a Christian college in DC are still eligible for financial aid as long as the school is regionally accredited.
Best Christian Colleges in DC in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
There were no changes in our 2025 ranking of the best Christian colleges in Washington, DC. Georgetown University remains in the top spot this year.
Georgetown University has strengthened its commitment to service-learning programs that align with its Jesuit values, fostering opportunities for students to engage in community outreach and ethical leadership development. Additionally, it has enhanced campus ministries and faith-based student organizations, offering more resources for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship.
Best Christian Colleges in DC
In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities in Washington, DC, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
- #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #25 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #25 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #12 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students 2025
- #23 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #23 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
96%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/33
Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University
Cost of Degree: $62,051Expenses: $22,644Starting Salary: $125,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryGeorgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit school in the United States, was founded by John Carroll and coincided with the birth of the nation. Today, Georgetown University has become a major international research university that has a hospital, nine schools, and several highly-ranked academic programs. What’s more, it values social justice and service for others, engaging students in addressing some of the most pressing issues in the nation and the rest of the world today.
What we love about Georgetown University:
At Georgetown University, students become people for others because the school provides opportunities for service at its Jesuit-inspired Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service.
Georgetown University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for an education for the mind and heart through research, interactions, and studies.
Georgetown University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not as interested in spiritual and ethical growth.
- #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
- #8 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #4 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
79%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1360/30
Career Outlook for degree at American University
Cost of Degree: $53,889Expenses: $17,814Starting Salary: $67,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAmerican University is a private, coeducational academic institution classified as an R2 Institution. It is a Methodist college founded by John Fletcher Hurst, a well-respected bishop who dreamt of building a university that develops individuals to become public servants. Ever since it was chartered by Congress in 1893, AU has always been a leader in higher education here in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
What we love about American University:
We love that American University continuously gains high national rankings, merit awards, and prestigious national scholarships and fellowships.
American University is ideal for students who:
Wish to study at a top Christian school that encourages students to learn, research, and work to ignite positive change in the community and the world.
American University might not be the best fit for students who:
Aren’t interested in inclusive policies and scholarships that address racism.
- #13 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
76%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at The Catholic University of America
Cost of Degree: $54,186Expenses: $20,820Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe Catholic University of America is a national research university founded by bishops and chartered by Pope Leo XIII. It continues to live out its mission to impart the truth through excellent quality research and learning. Through this, CU graduates go on to embrace both faith and reason as they apply the resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition for cultural enrichment.
What we love about The Catholic University of America:
The Catholic University of America offers innovative programs and holds an array of recognitions, rankings, and other honors.
The Catholic University of America is ideal for students who:
Are looking to study in a Christian school with a welcoming community based upon the church’s teachings.
The Catholic University of America might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t like a school with a teaching that is faithfully Catholic and conforms to the creed of the Church.
- #4 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #8 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
38%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Washington University
Cost of Degree: $25,610Expenses: $15,080Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryTrinity Washington University is a well-known university founded in 1897. It was the first Catholic liberal arts college for women in the nation. Today, it is known for providing higher education to low-income students of color and for its Carnegie Corporation Award for Academic Excellence recognition. It has received significant grants from the Cafritz Foundation, Sloan Foundation, Clark Foundation, and other funders.
What we love about Trinity Washington University:
We love that Trinity Washington University has a commitment to the education of women through the design and pedagogy of the historic women’s college and by promoting principles of equity, honor, and justice.
Trinity Washington University is ideal for students who:
Dream of studying at a university that is committed to providing a liberal arts foundation in the undergraduate degree programs that emphasize knowledge, skills, and values.
Trinity Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:
Might want a more research-heavy undergraduate experience.
Student Submitted Questions about Christian Colleges in Washington, DC
Will I receive the same quality of education in a Christian college that I would receive at a traditional secular four-year school?
Each of the Christian colleges in this ranking are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSCHE is an institutional accreditor, which ensures that students receive a quality higher education.
Can I apply for financial aid when I attend a Christian college in DC?
Yes, as long as the college is accredited through the MSCHE, regardless of its religious affiliation, students can apply to receive financial aid. For more information on how to apply, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Can I attend a Christian college in DC even if I am not a Christian?
There are many religiously-affiliate colleges that accept students who do not profess any faith. However, it is always a good idea to contact the admissions department at the college to discuss.